COUNTED: With $79.2 million in earnings, "The Bourne Identity," a spy caper starring Matt Damon, was the top-renting U.S. home video of 2003, according to year-end figures issued by Rentrack Corp., which tracks retail figures for the industry. Close behind at No. 2 was the Leonardo DiCaprio con-artist flick "Catch Me If You Can" ($75.5 million), and "Signs," the alien mystery starring Mel Gibson, ranked third ($74.9 million). Rounding out the Top 10: "Sweet Home Alabama" ($74.8 million), "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ($74.2 million), "The Ring" ($68.9 million), "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days" ($66.2 million), "Bringing Down the House" ($64.2 million), "Maid in Manhattan" ($62.3 million) and "Two Weeks Notice" ($62.1 million).
QUOTED: "It's not the warmest, cuddliest animal. It's just a big rat at the end of the day." -- Jennifer Aniston, 34, to reporters at a junket for her movie "Along Came Polly," in which she costars with Ben Stiller and a ferret
RESCHEDULED: Quentin Tarantino's action sequel "Kill Bill -- Vol. 2," starring Uma Thurman, has abandoned its previously announced Feb. 20 release date and is now expected to open on April 16, reports Variety. A Miramax spokesman declined comment, but the trade paper speculates that the later opening will give "Vo1. I" a chance to be released on home video first. The "Bill -- Vol. 1" DVD is expected April 13.
TUNED UP: The 1998 movie comedy "The Wedding Singer," which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, will be turned into a Broadway musical for the 2005-06 season, reports The New York Times. Its producer will be Margo Lion, a Tony winner for "Hairspray." No word on the casting.
YANKED: "The Wayne Brady Show," which last year earned two Daytime Emmy Awards, has been canceled, its syndicator said Thursday, according to the Hollywood Reporter. "Wayne Brady" will remain in production through May and will continue to air for the balance of its second season, but the fact remains that it has been averaging a lowly 1.0 rating this season, notes the trade paper.
